Retaining Wall Systems and Methods of Constructing Same

ABSTRACT

Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/195,807 filed Aug. 1, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/369,663, filed Jul. 30, 2010, which areincorporated herein by references in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to retaining walls and tomethods of constructing retaining walls. In particular, it pertains toretaining walls built of units such as sand/soil bags, wherein units inadjacent courses are connected together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 to Kim entitled “Retaining Wall System WithInterlocked Wall-Building Units” describes retaining walls that are usedin a wide variety of civil engineering and landscaping applicationsincluding, for example, to support slopes and embankments for highwaysand railways, and to support noise barriers, among other things. Morespecifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes a permanent retainingwall structure in which wall building units, such as sand/soil bags,used to make the face of the structure are attached to wall buildingunits in adjacent courses, and preferably to geogrid sheets. Attachmentis achieved using an interconnecting member (in the form of a plate)having projections on both sides thereof, which protrude into the wallbuilding units in adjacent courses. The projections also protrudethrough holes in the geogrid sheets, stabilizing the retaining wallstructure and backfill. U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

A conventional interconnecting member 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2, where FIG. 1 is a top isometric view and FIG. 2 is a bottom isometricview. The interconnecting member takes the form of a rectangular plateand includes an upper side 12 and a lower side 14.

Both the upper side 12 and the lower side 14 of the interconnectingmember 10 include a plurality of projections 16 in the form of spikesthat are used to protrude into sand/soil bags 20, as will be describedin connection with FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 5. The sand/soil bags 20 aremade of a geotextile material, which is durable, permits water to flowin and through the bag, and permits seedlings to grow out, whileretaining fine soil particles therein. The term sand/soil bag means abag (or cover) filled with any suitable fill material, including sand,soil, and mixtures thereof, and may also include fill mixed with seedsfor grass or other plants.

An exploded front elevation view of a conventional retaining wall system30 is shown in FIG. 3A, while FIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation ofan exploded right end elevation view of the retaining wall system 30. Asshown in the figures, the retaining wall system 30 includes a firstcourse 40 of sand/soil bags 20 that extend horizontally and a secondcourse 50 of sand/soil bags (only one bag is shown), which also extendhorizontally, but are also vertically adjacent to the first course 40.The first course 40 of sand/soil bags 20 and second course 50 ofsand/soil bags are connected to one another by interconnecting members10.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of an assembled retaining wall system30, while FIG. 4B is a right end elevation view of the retaining wallsystem 30. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.4A, which shows an interconnecting member 10 engaging two verticallyadjacent sand/soil bags 20.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, interconnecting members 10 are used toconstruct the retaining wall system 30 by placing them on top ofsand/soil bags 20 in a (first) course 40 so that projections on thelower side protrude into the bags. A second course 50 of sand/soil bagsis placed on top of the first course and of interconnecting members 10.The projections 16 on the upper side of interconnecting member 10protrude into the sand/soil bags of the second course 50, and the weightof the sand/soil bags acts on the interconnecting members 10, so thatthe projections 16 on the lower side 14 protrude into the sand/soil bags20 in the first course 40. The projections 16 can be configured to fullypenetrate the sand/soil bags 20 or to simply indent them. In eithercase, the projections 16 are considered to “protrude” into the bags.

Interconnecting members 10 are also used to anchor geogrid sheets to thesand/soil bags 20. Geogrid sheets are known and commercially availableplastic mesh products commonly used for soil reinforcement and have aplurality of holes therein. Geogrid sheets are affixed to the face of aretaining wall by placing an edge of the sheet over interconnectingmembers 10 atop a course of sand/soil bags 20, so that the projections16 on the upper side 12 of the interconnecting member protrude throughthe holes in the geogrid. When the next course of sand/soil bags 20 isput on top, projections 6 on the upper side of the interconnectingmember 10, which already extend through the geogrid, protrude into theunderside of the sand/soil bags 20 in the upper course.

Instead of being placed over an interconnecting member 10, a geogridsheet may be placed directly on top of a course of sand/soil bags 20with interconnecting members 10 placed over it. In such case, theprojections 16 on the lower side 14 of the interconnecting member 10would protrude down through the holes in the geogrid sheet and into thesand/soil bags 20. In other words, the geogrid may be placed under theinterconnecting member 10 instead of over it.

As shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1-5, the projections 16,which are designed to protrude into the sand/soil bags 20 are linearlytapered until they reach a point, wherein the point is furthest awayfrom the face of the upper side 12 (or lower side 14). When forces acton the geogrid, there is some concern that the geogrid will slide off ofone or more of the projections 16.

In order to address this concern, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 describes ageogrid holding members that are have a cap, are L-shaped or have ataper that increases as the distance from the face of the upper side 12(or lower side 14) is increased. The geogrid holding members in the '364Patent are disadvantageous for a number of reasons. For example, usinggeogrid holding members adds cost since additional material must be usedto construct same. As another example, using geogrid holding members mayreduce stackability of interconnecting members during shipping.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop an interconnecting memberwhich reliably secures geogrid using projections, but without requiringseparate geogrid holding members that may reduce stackability.

It would also be desirable to develop an interconnecting member whichreduces the likelihood of poor interconnection between verticallyadjacent sand/soil bags.

It would also be desirable to permit interconnecting members to beattached to one another in a linear and/or transverse configuration.

It would also be desirable to allow more flexibility in creatingretaining wall structures by permitting straps to be attached tointerconnecting members.

It would also be desirable to develop more permanent connections betweeninterconnecting members and sand/soil bags.

It would also be desirable to modify the shape of interconnectingmembers, so as to increase the opportunity for plant growth and reducethe likelihood of obstructing plant growth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to address at least one of theaforementioned problems and/or meet at least one of the aforementionedneeds.

Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems aredisclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a firsthorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a secondhorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned verticallyadjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnectingmember that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the secondcourse of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper sideand a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lowerside has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engagegeogrid.

Other objects, features, embodiments and/or advantages of the inventionwill be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunctionwith the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aconventional interconnecting member;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofthe conventional interconnecting member shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is diagrammatic representation of an exploded front elevationview of a conventional retaining wall system;

FIG. 3B is diagrammatic representation of an exploded right endelevation view of the conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG.3A;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view ofthe conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation viewof the conventional retaining wall system shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4A, whichshows an conventional interconnecting member engaging two verticallyadjacent sand/soil bags;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of anexemplary retaining wall with interconnecting members shownschematically in broken lines;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a right end elevation view ofthe exemplary retaining wall of FIG. 6 with interconnecting membersshown in broken lines;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afirst exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view,similar to FIG. 5, which shows an interconnecting member of FIGS. 8 and9 engaging two sand/soil bags;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of asecond exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of theinterconnecting member of FIG. 11 with geogrid being placed over it;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of theinterconnecting member of FIG. 11 with geogrid engaged therewith;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of a magnified cross-sectionalview taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 showing geogrid in engagementwith the interconnecting member;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of athird exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afourth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afifth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of asixth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a first exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a second exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member with a portion of geogrid in cross-section;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aseventh exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 24showing a geogrid engaged by the interconnecting member;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aneighth exemplary interconnecting member in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofthe exemplary interconnecting member shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view ofthe exemplary interconnecting member shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of aninterconnecting member mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member ultrasonically weldedto a sand/soil bag;

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to asand/soil bag with adhesive;

FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to asand/soil bag with a plurality of rivets;

FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member attached to asand/soil bag with a thread;

FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member with Velcro hooks anda sand/soil bag with Velcro loop strips which work in combination toattach the interconnecting member to the sand/soil bag;

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of a first exemplary spike assembly attached to asand/soil bag;

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional explodedelevation view of the spike assembly FIG. 35 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a spikehousing of the spike assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 35 with a portionof the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembledelevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 35 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of a second exemplary spike assembly with a portionof the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 41 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional explodedelevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portionof the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 43 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembledelevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 40 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional frontelevation view of a third exemplary spike assembly with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional explodedelevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portionof the sand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembledelevation view of the spike assembly of FIG. 44 with a portion of thesand/soil bag also shown in cross-section;

FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a firstexemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded top plan view ofthe anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of theanchor plate of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view takenalong line 51-51 of FIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between theanchor plate and the strap;

FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly of FIG.48 in use by being anchored in dirt;

FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall showing the anchor/strap assembly of FIG.48 in use by being anchored to rock;

FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnecting member;

FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofan exemplary anchor strap;

FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of theinterconnecting member of FIG. 54 with the anchor strap of FIG. 55attached thereto;

FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a secondexemplary anchor/strap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall showing the interconnecting member of FIG.54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly of FIG. 55;

FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of isometric top views ofinterconnecting members showing some exemplary projection positions;

FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of anexemplary retaining wall using one or more of the interconnectingmembers shown in FIGS. 59-62 with such interconnecting members shown inbroken lines;

FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of aconventional projection for a conventional interconnecting member;

FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views ofexemplary projections for exemplary interconnecting members;

FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aneleventh exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of atwelfth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of athirteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afourteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afifteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of asixteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 73;

FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of twoexemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to oneanother in a first configuration;

FIG. 76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of twoexemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to oneanother in a second configuration;

FIG. 77 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of twoexemplary interconnecting members that have been connected to oneanother in a third configuration;

FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view takenalong line 78-78 of FIG. 75;

FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of aseventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention;

FIG. 80 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a diagrammatic representation of a bottom plan view of theinterconnecting member of FIG. 79;

FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of aneighteenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention, whereinthe interconnecting member includes a plurality of plates that areconnected together by fastening members that are threaded throughapertures in the plates;

FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view ofthe interconnecting member of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 83, except thatthe plates of the interconnecting member have been pivoted;

FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 84, except thatthe plates have been stacked on top of one another; and,

FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplaryinterconnecting member of the invention, wherein the interconnectingmember includes a plurality of spike balls that are connected togetherby a fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplary retaining wall system100 with interconnecting members 110 shown schematically in brokenlines, while FIG. 7 is a right end elevation view of the exemplaryretaining wall system 100. Interconnecting members 110 are used toattach vertically adjacent sand/soil bags 120 to one another.

As used herein, sand/soil bag 120 means a bag (or cover) filled with anysuitable fill material including sand, soil and mixtures thereof. Thefill material may also include seeds for grass and other plants.

In one embodiment, the retaining wall system 100 includes a firstplurality of sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one anotherforming a first, horizontally-extending course 140; a second pluralityof sand/soil bags 120 positioned adjacent to one another and above thefirst course 140 to form a second, horizontally-extending course 150;and, interconnecting members 110 placed between the first and secondcourses 140, 150 to attach them together.

It should be understood that the interconnecting members 110 are notlimited to positions shown in FIG. 6. Instead, the interconnectingmembers 110 can be positioned anywhere between the first course 140 andthe second course 150.

It should also be understood that the terms first course 140 and secondcourse 150 are not limited to the lowermost course and the courseimmediately vertically above it. Instead, first course and second coursemerely represent two courses of sand/soil bags, wherein at least onesand/soil bag of the first course forms no part of the second course.

Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, includingseveral embodiments of the interconnecting member 110.

FIG. 8 is an isometric top view of a first exemplary interconnectingmember 810 of the invention, while FIG. 9 is an isometric bottom view ofthe interconnecting member 810. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view,similar to FIG. 5, which shows the interconnecting member 810 of FIGS. 8and 9 engaging two sand/soil bags 120.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the interconnecting member 810 includes an upperside 812 and a lower side 814. In contrast to the projections 16 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, both the upper side 812 and the lower side 814 havefirst projections 816A and second projections 816B extending therefrom,wherein the first projections 816A are larger than the secondprojections 816B.

More specifically, first projections 816A are “larger” than secondprojections 816B in at least one of the three main dimensions. That is,first projections 816A have at least a greater height (e.g., in avertical direction or z-axis), a greater width (e.g., in a firsthorizontal direction or y-axis) and/or greater depth (e.g., in a secondhorizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction orx-axis) than second projections 816B. In the exemplary embodiment shownin FIGS. 8-10, the first projections 816A are larger than secondprojections 816B in all three dimensions.

Without being bound by any theory, using second projections 816B incombination with first projections 816A is believed to increase thestrength of attachment (in, at least, some instances) between sand/soilbags 120 that are connected by interconnecting member 810, as comparedto sand/soil bags 120 that are connected by interconnecting member 10 ofFIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the overall strength of retaining wall system100 is believed to be improved.

The first projections 816A and second projections 816B of FIGS. 8-10have a spike shape. It should be understood that the shape of the firstprojections 816A may be different from the shape of the secondprojections 816B. It should also be understood that projections of morethan two different shapes may be used. Furthermore, it should beunderstood that first and second projections 816A, 816B may be providedon only one of upper side 812 and lower side 814, instead of both. Inaddition, it should be understood that projections of more than twodifferent sizes may be used.

In one embodiment, there are at least twice as many second projections816B as there are first projections 816A (e.g., on upper side 812, onlower side 814 or a combination of both). In other embodiments, thereare at least three times, four times, ten times or twenty times as manysecond projections 816B as there are first projections 816A.

It should be understood that positions of the first and secondprojections 816A, 816B (either individually or relative to each other)are not limited to the positions shown in FIGS. 8-10. In one embodiment,first projections on the lower side 814 are spaced sufficiently so thatthey engage adjacent sand/soil bags 120 in a first course 140 and firstprojections on the upper side 812 engage a single sand/soil bag 120 in asecond course 150 that is vertically adjacent to the first course 140(see, e.g., FIG. 6).

In one embodiment, the height of the first projections 816A is at leasttwice the height of the second projections 816B. In one embodiment, thelargest diameter of the first projections 816A is at least twice thelargest diameter of the second projections 816B. In one embodiment, theheight of the first projections 816A is at least four times the heightof the second projections 816B. In one embodiment, the largest diameterof the first projections 816A is at least four times the largestdiameter of the second projections 816B. In one embodiment, the heightof the first projections 816A is at least eight times the height of thesecond projections 816B. In one embodiment, the largest diameter of thefirst projections 816A is at least eight times the largest diameter ofthe second projections 816B.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,364 (“the '364 Patent”) describes variousgeogrid-holding members that are part of their respectiveinterconnecting members. In each case, the geogrid-holding membersextend in the same direction as the spike-shaped projections of theinterconnecting members and are designed to securely attach the geogridand to prevent the geogrid from becoming disengaged therefrom.Accordingly, the geogrid-holding members have a relatively blunt or flatportion that contacts the sand/soil bag (e.g., a cylindrical shape (ormushroom shape when a cap is used) as shown in FIG. 13 of the '364Patent, an upside down L-shape as shown in FIG. 19 of the '364 Patentand tapered shape with a wide top and narrow base as shown in FIG. 25 ofthe '364 Patent). The relatively blunt or flat portion of thegeogrid-holding members may interfere with the connection between aninterconnecting member and a sand/soil bag. Furthermore, the position ofthe geogrid-holding members may also reduce the stackability of theinterconnecting members when they are being transported.

FIG. 11 is an isometric top view of a second exemplary interconnectingmember 1110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theinterconnecting member includes an upper side 1112, a lower side 1114,projections 1116 and geogrid-holding members 1118.

In order to reduce the likelihood of interference with the connectionbetween the interconnecting member 1110 and a sand/soil bag 120, thegeogrid-holding members 1118 extend along a first edge 1122 in adirection parallel to the upper side 1112 (or lower side 1114). Stateddifferently, the geogrid-holding members 1118 extend along a first edge1122 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction inwhich the projections 1116 extend.

In one embodiment, geogrid-holding members 1118 are designed to engagegeogrid having a variety of mesh thicknesses. To explain further, thereare many manufacturers of geogrid. However, there does not appear to beany type of standardization of geogrid mesh thicknesses betweenmanufacturers. Accordingly, when determining the position ofgeogrid-holding members, geogrid having a variety of mesh thicknessesare overlaid (either actually or diagrammatically) and the finalposition of the geogrid-holding members are determined to accommodategeogrid mesh thicknesses of interest.

In one embodiment, the geogrid-holding members 1118 of the presentinvention have a generally saw tooth shape with a pointed tip. Thisallows a larger number of geogrid mesh thicknesses to be accommodated ascompared to the thicker, blunt-ended geogrid-holding members of the '364Patent.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the interconnecting member 1110 of FIG. 11with geogrid 1200 being placed over it. In such case, theinterconnecting member 1110 has been placed over a sand/soil bag 120prior to the geogrid 1200 being moved into place. It should beunderstood, however, that geogrid 1200 may be laid down first, whichwould then be followed by interconnecting member 1110.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the interconnecting member 1110 of FIG. 11with geogrid 1200 engaged therewith. FIG. 14 is a magnifiedcross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 showing geogrid1200 in engagement with the interconnecting member 1110.

FIG. 15 is an isometric top view of a third exemplary interconnectingmember 1510 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theembodiment of FIG. 15 is similar to the interconnecting member 1110shown in FIG. 11, except that it illustrates that the number ofgeogrid-holding members 1118 is not limited to three and the position ofthe geogrid-holding members 1118 is not limited to that shown in FIG.11.

FIG. 16 is an isometric top view of a fourth exemplary interconnectingmember 1610 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theembodiment of FIG. 16 is similar to the interconnecting member 1110shown in FIG. 11, except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 may extend from second edge 1624 in addition to first edge1122.

FIG. 17 is an isometric top view of a fifth exemplary interconnectingmember 1710 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Theembodiment of FIG. 17 is similar to the interconnecting member 1610shown in FIG. 16, except that it illustrates that the geogrid-holdingmembers 1118 may extend from third edge 1726 and fourth edge 1728 inaddition to first edge 1122 and second edge 1624.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of asixth exemplary interconnecting member 1810 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Other exemplary locations of thegeogrid-holding members 1118 are shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member 1918, which illustrates a first exemplaryshape of a geogrid holding member.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a second exemplary shape2018 of a geogrid holding member. Although the overall shape of thegeogrid holding member 2018 in FIG. 20 is similar to the shape of thegeogrid holding member 1918 in FIG. 19, FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate thatthe size of geogrid holding member may vary. Furthermore, it should beunderstood that a single interconnecting member may include geogridholding members of multiple shapes and sizes.

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a third exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member 2118 with a portion of geogrid 1200 incross-section. The geogrid holding member 2118 includes a cylindricalshaft 2120 and a conical upper portion 2122. The diameter of the base2124 of the conical upper portion 2122 is greater than the diameter ofthe cylindrical shaft 2120, which assists the geogrid holding member2118 in engaging the geogrid.

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fourth exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member 2218.

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a portionof an interconnecting member, which illustrates a fifth exemplary shapeof a geogrid holding member 2318.

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aseventh exemplary interconnecting member 2410 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The interconnecting member 2410includes one or more projections 2416 with undercuts or notches 2450that are used to engage geogrid 1200.

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view ofthe interconnecting member 2410 of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 ofFIG. 24 showing geogrid 1200 engaged by the interconnecting member 2410.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aneighth exemplary interconnecting member 2610 in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic representation ofan isometric bottom view of the exemplary interconnecting member 2610shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic representation of a frontelevation view of the exemplary interconnecting member 2610 shown inFIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of aninterconnecting member 2910 mechanically attached to a sand/soil bag120.

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member 3010 ultrasonicallywelded to a sand/soil bag 120.

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member 3110 attached to asand/soil bag 120 with adhesive 3170.

FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member 3210 attached to asand/soil bag 120 with a plurality of rivets 3220. In this embodiment,the interconnecting member 3210 includes a plurality of apertures 3230that correspond with the plurality of rivets 3220.

FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member 3310 attached to asand/soil bag 120 with a thread 3320. In this embodiment, theinterconnecting member 3310 includes a plurality of apertures 3330through which the thread 3320 can pass.

FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of an interconnecting member 3410 with Velcro hooks3420 and a sand/soil bag 120 with Velcro loop strips 3430 which work incombination with one another to attach the interconnecting member 3410to the sand/soil bag 120. The Velcro loop strips 3430 are attached tothe sand/soil bag 120, for example, using adhesive or thread, or byultrasonic welding. Other techniques of attaching the Velcro loop strips3430 are possible and anticipated.

FIGS. 35-47 illustrate a plurality of exemplary spike assemblies whichmay replace or be used in conjunction with one or more interconnectingmembers. Furthermore, two or more of the exemplary spike assemblies maybe used together.

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of a first exemplary spike assembly 3510 attachedto a sand/soil bag 120.

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional explodedelevation view of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with a portion ofthe sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. As shown in FIG. 36,the spike assembly 3510 includes a first portion 3520 and a secondportion 3530. FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic representation of a top planview of a portion of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35.

FIGS. 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with aportion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. FIG. 39 isa diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevationview of the spike assembly 3510 of FIG. 35 with a portion of thesand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.

The manner of assembling the spike assembly 3510 is easily understoodupon viewing FIGS. 36, 38 and 39. Specifically, the second portion 3530is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120. Then, the first portion 3520 isplaced over the tip of the second portion 3520. The first portion 3520is flexible, but resilient, and allows the tip of the second portion3530 to be pushed therethrough. Once the second portion 3530 has beencompletely received within first portion 3520, the first and secondportions 3520, 3530 of the spike assembly 3510 are effectively lockedtogether.

FIG. 40 is a diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectionalfront elevation view of a second exemplary spike assembly 4010 with aportion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. FIG. 41 isa diagrammatic representation of a partial cross-sectional explodedelevation view of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with a portion ofthe sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. The spike assembly4010 includes a first portion 4020 and a second portion 4030 whichinterconnect with one another.

FIG. 42 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with aportion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. FIG. 43 isa diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevationview of the spike assembly 4010 of FIG. 40 with a portion of thesand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.

The manner of assembling the spike assembly 4010 is easily understoodupon viewing FIGS. 40-43. Specifically, the first portion 4020 is pushedthrough the sand/soil bag 120. Then, the second portion 4030 is placedover the tip of the first portion 4020. A cap 4040 may be placed overthe tip of the first portion 4020 to lock the spike assembly 4010 inplace. The cap 4040 may be integrated with second portion 4030 or aseparate piece.

FIG. 44 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional frontelevation view of a third exemplary spike assembly 4410 with a portionof the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. FIG. 45 is adiagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional exploded elevation viewof the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with a portion of the sand/soilbag 120 also shown in cross-section. The spike assembly 4410 includes afirst portion 4420 and a second portion 4430 which interconnect with oneanother.

FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional partiallyassembled elevation view of the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with aportion of the sand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section. FIG. 47 isa diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional assembled elevationview of the spike assembly 4410 of FIG. 44 with a portion of thesand/soil bag 120 also shown in cross-section.

The manner of assembling the spike assembly 4410 is easily understoodupon viewing FIGS. 44-47. Specifically, the first portion 4420 includesa threaded shaft 4440, which is pushed through the sand/soil bag 120.Then, the second portion 4430, which includes a corresponding threadedaperture 4450 is placed over the tip of the shaft 4440 of the firstportion 4420. The threaded shaft 4440 and the threaded aperture 4450 arerotated relative to one another to tighten. Accordingly, the firstportion 4420 and the second portion 4430 become connected to oneanother.

FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a firstexemplary anchor/strap assembly 4810 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic representation of an explodedtop plan view of the anchor/strap assembly 4810 of FIG. 48. Theanchor/strap assembly 4810 includes an anchor plate 4820, a strap 4830and a loop plate 4840.

FIG. 50 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of theanchor plate 4820 of FIG. 48. The anchor plate 4820 includes projections5016, which are used to connect the anchor/strap assembly 4810 to asand/soil bag 120.

In one embodiment, the anchor plate 4820 is made of metal and theprojections 5016 are formed by punching triangular holes 5018 in theanchor plate 4820. The anchor plate 4820 also includes a plateattachment member 5020. Similarly, the loop plate 4840 includes a loopattachment member 5030.

FIG. 51 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view takenalong line 51-51 of FIG. 48 and illustrates the connection between theanchor plate 4820 and the strap 4830. Specifically, it shows how theplate attachment member 5020 is bent around the strap 4830 and attachedthereto. The loop attachment member 5030 is bent around the other end ofthe strap 4830 in a similar manner, so as to attach the loop plate 4840thereto.

FIG. 52 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall 5210 showing the anchor/strap assembly4810 of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored in dirt 5220. Specifically, inone embodiment, a stake 5230 is placed through the loop in theanchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into the dirt 5220. At the otherend of the anchor/strap assembly 4810, an anchor plate 4820 is placedbetween sand/soil bags 120 and the projections 5016 in the anchor plateserve to engage the sand/soil bags 120. Preferably, the anchor plate4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120.Then, another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of the anchor plate4820.

FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall 5310 showing the anchor/strap assembly4810 of FIG. 48 in use by being anchored to rock 5320. Specifically, inone embodiment, a stake 5330 is placed through the loop in theanchor/strap assembly 4810 and driven into the rock 5320. At the otherend of the anchor/strap assembly 4810, an anchor plate 4820 is placedbetween sand/soil bags 120 and the projections 5016 in the anchor plateserve to engage the sand/soil bags 120. Preferably, the anchor plate4820 is placed on top of an uncovered section of a sand/soil bag 120.Then, another sand/soil bag 120 is placed on top of the anchor plate4820.

FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aninth exemplary embodiment of an interconnecting member 5410 that hasconnection slots 5420 therein. FIG. 55 is a diagrammatic representationof an isometric bottom view of an exemplary anchor strap 5510 thatcooperates with the connection slots 5420 of the interconnecting member5401 of FIG. 54. Specifically, the anchor strap 5510 includesprotrusions 5520 on each of its ends. The protrusions 5520 are sized tobe received by the connection slots 5420.

FIG. 56 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aplurality of interconnecting members 5410 with an anchor strap 5510attached thereto. FIG. 56 also shows (in phantom) one of many otherlocations where other anchor straps 5510 may be connected.

FIG. 57 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of a secondexemplary anchor/strap assembly 5710 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. The anchor/strap assembly 5710 is similar to theanchor/strap assembly of FIG. 48, but includes connection slots 5720therein.

FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic representation of a schematic right endelevation of a retaining wall 5810 showing the interconnecting member5410 of FIG. 54 used in combination with the anchor/strap assembly 5510of FIG. 55.

FIGS. 59-62 are diagrammatic representations of sides of interconnectingmembers showing some exemplary projection positions and an exemplarynumber of projections. It should be understood that the sides of theinterconnecting members shown in FIGS. 59-62 may be mixed and matchedwith one another. For example, an interconnecting member having an upperside like that shown in FIG. 59 may have a lower side like that shown inFIG. 62.

The sides of the interconnecting members shown in FIG. 59-62 are notintended to be placed across horizontally adjacent sand/soil bags 120.More specifically, FIG. 63 is a diagrammatic representation of a frontelevation view of an exemplary retaining wall 6310 using one or more ofthe interconnecting members shown in FIGS. 59-62 with suchinterconnecting members shown in broken lines. As shown in FIG. 63, noneof the interconnecting members span across adjacent sand/soil bags 120.

FIG. 64 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of aconventional projection 6410 for a conventional interconnecting member.

FIGS. 65 and 66 are diagrammatic representations of isometric views ofexemplary projections 6510, 6610 for exemplary interconnecting members.Other shapes are possible and anticipated.

FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of aneleventh exemplary interconnecting member 6710 of the invention, whichhas holes 6720 through which plants may grow. In one embodiment, theholes do not need to be identical in shape or size.

FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of atwelfth exemplary interconnecting member 6810 of the invention, which isroughly shaped like a figure eight and which has holes 6820 throughwhich plants may grow.

FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of athirteenth exemplary interconnecting member 6910 of the invention, whichis roughly shaped like a zero (or donut) and which has a hole 6920through which plants may grow.

FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afourteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7010 of the invention, whichis roughly shaped like an X.

FIG. 71 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of afifteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7110 of the invention. FIG.72 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of theinterconnecting member 7710 of FIG. 71. The interconnecting member 7110includes many of the features already described above, including large7120 and small projections 7130, along with connection slots 7140. Thelarge projections 7120 have notches 7150 therein to engage geogrid (notshown). Furthermore, the interconnecting member 7110 has a lattice-typehole pattern 7160 to permit plants to grow therethrough.

FIG. 73 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric top view of asixteenth exemplary interconnecting member 7310 of the invention. FIG.74 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric bottom view of theinterconnecting member 7310 of FIG. 73. Unlike the interconnectingmember 7110 shown in FIG. 71, the projections 7320 of theinterconnecting member 7310 have corresponding recesses 7330, so as topromote the stackability of the interconnecting members 7310.

FIG. 75 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of twoexemplary interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310)that have been connected to one another in a first configuration. FIG.76 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplaryinterconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310) that havebeen connected to one another in a second configuration. FIG. 77 is adiagrammatic representation of a top plan view of two exemplaryinterconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 7310) that havebeen connected to one another in a third configuration.

FIG. 78 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-sectional view takenalong line 78-78 of FIG. 75. FIG. 78 shows how a projection (likeprojection 7320) is received in a recess (like recess 7330).

FIG. 79 is a diagrammatic representation of a top plan view of aseventeenth exemplary interconnecting member of the invention. FIG. 80is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view of theinterconnecting member of FIG. 79. FIG. 81 is a diagrammaticrepresentation of a bottom plan view of the interconnecting member ofFIG. 79. The interconnecting member 7910 includes many of the featuresalready described above, including large 7920 and small projections7930. The large projections 7920 have notches 7950 therein to engagegeogrid (not shown). Furthermore, the interconnecting member 7910 has alattice-type hole pattern 7960 to permit plants to grow therethrough.

FIG. 82 is a diagrammatic representation of an isometric view of aneighteenth exemplary interconnecting member 8210 of the invention. Theinterconnecting member includes a plurality of plates 8215A, 8215B,8215C that are connected together by fastening members 8225 that arethreaded through apertures 8235 in the plates 8215A, 8215B, 8215C. Thefastening members 8225 may take a variety of forms. Cable ties are shownin FIGS. 82-85, but the invention is not limited to cable ties.

FIG. 83 is a diagrammatic representation of a front elevation view ofthe interconnecting member 8210 of FIG. 82. FIG. 84 is a diagrammaticrepresentation similar to FIG. 83, except that the plates 8215A, 8215B,8215C of the interconnecting member have been pivoted relative to oneanother. FIG. 85 is a diagrammatic representation similar to FIG. 84,except that the plates 8215A, 8215B, 8215C have been stacked on top ofone another. In one embodiment, projections 8220 from one platecorrespond with recesses 8230 under projections 8220 in another plate,so that the plates can be easily stacked on top of one another. In oneembodiment, each plate includes no more than one projection on one ofits sides and a plurality of projections on the other of its sides. Ofcourse, in other embodiments, other combinations of projections arepossible.

FIG. 86 is a diagrammatic representation of a nineteenth exemplaryinterconnecting member 8610 of the invention. In this embodiment, theinterconnecting member 8610 includes first and second spike balls 8620A,8620B that are connected together by a fastener 8630. The first spikeball 8620A includes a loop or hook 8640A and the second spike ball 8620Bincludes a loop or hook 8640B. The fastener 8630 is attached to theloops or hooks 8640A, 8640B, so as to connect the first and second spikeballs 8620A, 8620B together. The spike balls 8620A, 8620B includeprojections 8650, which are similar to projections 1116. In oneembodiment, the first and second spike balls 8620A, 8620B are made ofplastic and the fastener 8630 is made of plastic.

In one embodiment, the interconnecting member includes only a singlespike ball. In one embodiment, the interconnecting member includes morethan two spike balls of which at least two are connected to each other.In one embodiment, at least one spike ball includes more than one loopor hook.

Several embodiments of the invention have been described. It should beunderstood that the concepts described in connection with one embodimentof the invention may be combined with the concepts described inconnection with another embodiment (or other embodiments) of theinvention.

While an effort has been made to describe some alternatives to thepreferred embodiment, other alternatives will readily come to mind tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that theinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples andembodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details given herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retaining wall system comprising: a firsthorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags; a secondhorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned verticallyadjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags; an interconnectingmember that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the secondcourse of sand/soil bags, wherein the interconnecting member has anupper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side andthe lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein toengage geogrid.
 2. The retaining wall system of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the upper side and the lower side also includes a secondprojection, that is smaller than the first projection, but which doesnot include a notch therein to engage geogrid.
 3. The retaining wallsystem of claim 1, wherein the interconnecting member has at least oneconnection slot therein.
 4. The retaining wall system of claim 1,wherein the upper side has two large projections therein and the lowerside has one large projection.
 5. The retaining wall system of claim 4,wherein the two large projections are spaced apart such that eachengages a different bag in the second course of sand/soil bags.
 6. Theretaining wall system of claim 1, wherein the interconnecting memberincludes a lattice-type hole pattern to permit plant growththerethrough.
 7. The retaining wall system of claim 2, wherein theinterconnecting member includes a plurality of first projections of afirst height and a plurality of second projections of a second height,wherein the second height is less than the first height.
 8. Theretaining wall system of claim 7, wherein the interconnecting memberincludes a plurality of recesses that correspond with the plurality offirst projections, such that two or more interconnecting members may bearranged in a linear configuration or a transverse configuration.
 9. Theretaining wall system of claim 8, wherein the linear configuration ortransverse configuration is achieved by aligning a plurality of firstprojections in a first interconnecting member with a plurality ofrecesses in the second interconnecting member.
 10. The retaining wallsystem of claim 1, further including a geogrid-holding member thatextends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the firstprojection extends.
 11. The retaining wall system of claim 10, whereinthe interconnecting member has at least one edge and at least onegeogrid-holding member extends from the at least one edge.
 12. Theretaining wall system of claim 11, wherein a plurality ofgeogrid-holding members extend from at least one edge of theinterconnecting member.
 13. A retaining wall system comprising: a firsthorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags; a secondhorizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned verticallyadjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags; an interconnectingmember that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the secondcourse of sand/soil bags, wherein the interconnecting member includes aplurality of plates each having at least one aperture therethrough sothat adjacent plates may be connected together by fastening members. 14.The retaining wall system of claim 13, wherein each plate has a upperside and a lower side, and wherein at least one of the upper side andthe lower side of each plate only has a single projection thereon. 15.The retaining wall system of claim 13, wherein at least one plateincludes a projection that has a notch therein to engage geogrid. 16.The retaining wall system of claim 13, wherein at least one plateincludes a second projection, that is smaller than the first projection,but which does not include a notch therein to engage geogrid.
 17. Theretaining wall system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plates ofthe interconnecting member has at least one connection slot therein. 18.The retaining wall system of claim 13, wherein at least one of theplates of the interconnecting member includes a lattice-type holepattern to permit plant growth therethrough.
 19. The retaining wallsystem of claim 13, further including a geogrid-holding member thatextends in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the firstprojection extends.
 20. The retaining wall system of claim 19, wherein aplurality of geogrid-holding members extend from at least one edge ofthe interconnecting member.